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The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV staple. The Highlander isn’t the most affordable midsize SUV. It isn’t the quickest or the most fuel-efficient either. The Highlander is dependable, and it ages well over time. Which 2022 Toyota Highlander trim is best for the money?

The Toyota Highlander XLE provides great value for the money

A gray 2022 Toyota Highlander midsize SUV is parked.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The Toyota Highlander XLE is one of the best Highlander trims on the market because it comes with plenty of standard features without breaking the bank. The Highlander XLE starts at $41,055. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine to make 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The midsize SUV achieves 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway,

The Highlander XLE comes standard with a smart key system with push-button start, SofTex-trimmed front and second-row seats, and heated front seats. It includes a wireless smartphone charger with Qi compatibility. The Toyota Highlander XLE also features five USB ports, a 7.0-inch multi-information display, and a power tilt/slide moonroof with a sunshade.

The Toyota Highlander XLE comes with a comfortable interior and many creature comforts. Car and Driver calls the XLE trim the best Highlander option because of features like the heated front seats and a power sunroof. The automotive publication claims that buyers can add all-wheel drive for an additional $1,600 and a hybrid powertrain for $1,400.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE is a whole new spin on the midsize SUV

A gray 2022 Toyota Highlander midsize SUV is parked outside.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The Toyota Highlander hasn’t ever been great on gas…until the hybrid version was introduced. The Highlander Hybrid is a version of the midsize SUV that prioritizes fuel economy. The hybrid powertrain makes 243 horsepower between the engine 2.5-liter engine and the electric motor.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE starts at $42,555. It comes standard with a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, hill start assist control and a tire pressure monitor system. The midsize SUV also features heated power outside mirrors, high solar energy-absorbing glass on the front side windows, and grille shutters.

If you’re looking for a Highlander model that’s better suited for commutes and road trips, choose the Hybrid XLE over the XLE.

The base model Toyota Highlander is nothing to sneeze at


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The Toyota Highlander L starts at just $35,855. The base model still includes a smart key system with push-button start, Toyota Safety Sense, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

It still offers plenty of great features like a smart key system on the front doors and liftgate, heated power outside mirrors, and privacy glass on the rear side, quarter and liftgate windows. The Highlander is a great midsize SUV, but it still can’t compete with the popular Kia Telluride.

Learn more about the Kia Telluride in the next article below.

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